The tribe was due to open a marijuana resort on December 31. The operation attracted widespread interest but also drew legal concerns from the state and federal officials.

Fearing a raid like those that have hit other parts of Indian Country, the tribe destroyed it marijuana crop earlier this month. Talks have continued with officials as work continues on the facility, The Moody County Enterprise reported.

"The tribe intends to continue these discussions locally, and at the national level with the U.S. Department of Justice before it starts to regrow and open its lounge," attorney Seth Pearman said in a statement to the paper.

President Tony Reider told the AP that the sale of marijuana to non-Indians and the origin of the tribe's crop are among the issues that need to be resolved.

Elsewhere, the Menominee Nation of Wisconsin filed a lawsuit in federal court on Wednesday, asserting a right to grow hemp on the reservation. The tribe's operation was raided last month and its crop was destroyed by the Drug Enforcement Agency.

Marijuana remains illegal under federal law although the Department of Justice seemingly opened the door to the drug in Indian Country with the 2014
Wilkinson memo.
The policy, however, has not stopped federal or state raids on tribal marijuana operations.

So far only the Squaxin Island Tribe in Washington, where the drug is legal for recreational and other purposes, has successfully opened a marijuana outlet.
The Suquamish Tribe is also about to join the industry.